Combined box-opener and nail-puller.



P. T. LESTAGE. COMBINED BOX OPENER AND NAIL FULLER. APPLIOATION FILED MAR. 24, 1909.

948,230. Patented Feb.'1,1910.

Elmnntoz attorwu UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK TOUSSAINT LESTAGE, OF NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT.

COMIIBINED BOX-OPENER AND NAIL-FULLER.

To all whom it may concern:

Be itknown that I, FRANK TOUSSAINT Lnsrnon, a citizen of the United States, residing at New Haven, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Combined Box-Openers and Nail-Pullers, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in combination tools, and refers particularly to a combined box opener, nail puller and nail driver, and the object of my invention is the provision of a tool which can be manufactured at about the price of either of the instruments separately and which will permit of each of said implements performing its desired functions in a thoroughly efficient and practical manner.

With this object in view, my invention consists of a combination tool embodying the implements stated and consisting of novel features of construction, and combination and arrangements of parts for service substantially as disclosed herein.

Figure 1, represents a side elevation of a combination tool constructed in accordance with and embodying my invention, and Fig. 2, represents a vertical sectional view of the tool. Fig. 3, is a fragmentary side elevation of a modified form of my invention.

The tool is of the simplest possible construction, and comprises a tapered handle or grasping portion A, provided with a shoulder B against which the lower portion of the hand may rest for the more efiective operation of the tool, and the handle is formed with a tubular or socketed portion C, in the inner walls of which is provided the vertical groove or channel D, in which fits and is guided thereby the pin E carried by the stem or shank F, formed with an abutment G, and having its lower end terminating in the claw H, provided with knife edge H, the rear of the claw being formed with a nail driving head J The manner of using my combination tool will be readily apparent, and in use the claw is forced into engagement with the under portion of the head of the nail and by press- Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed March 24, 1909.

Patented Feb. 1, 1910.

Serial No. 485,377.

ing down the curved face K forms a lever against the box and removes the nail. In opening the box, if desired the claw may be forced under the strips forming the lid and permit the lifting of said strips. In using the hammer head for driving a nail the head is placed against the head of the nail and by bringing the handle down upon the stem the nail is driven into the wood, and also the claw is forced under the head of the nail by the impact of the tubular member against the shoulder portion G, which causes the claw to cut into the wood and permit access to the under side of the head of the nail.

It will be understood that the tool provides a combination which is useful in any place where a hammer, box opener and nail puller would be desired, the tool combines the implements in a convenient and satisfactory manner and insures a thoroughly eflicient and practical tool and one capable of production at about the price of either of the implements separate.

The tubular portion is provided near its upper extremity with a transverse opening E, which permits the insertion of the guiding pins E and allows the renewal of said pins when worn or permits the'taking apart of the device if found necessary and desirable.

I claim:

1. In a combination tool, a shank having a hand protecting flange formed integral therewith, a claw on the lower end of the shank, a downwardly projecting lug having a flat under surface formed on the shank adjacent to the claw and serving as a fulcrum therefor, said lug being adapted for use as a hammer, and a rammer removably secured on the shank above and out of contact with the flange thereon, said rammer being adapted to be contacted against the upper end of the shank to force the claw under a nail or to operate the hammer.

2. In a device of the character described, a shank having an opening formed in one end thereof, an outwardly tapering flange formed on and extending peripherally thereon intermediate the length thereof, the ends of the shank being fiat, a rammer mounted on one end of the shank, means engaged in the opening in the shank and slidable in a groove in the rammer for retaining the same 5 on the shank, and a bifurcated tapering lug formed integral with the shank and projecting therefrom near its lower end, said lug being adapted for use in removing nails, and

the lower end of the shank serving as a hammer.

In testimony whereof I afliX my signature, in presence of two witnesses.

FRANK TOUSSAINT LESTAGE. Witnesses:

JAMES J. VVHALEN, HARRY V. SANTRY. 

